Grandmaster and local legend add flavor to 43rd Missoula Chess Tournament

MISSOULA, Montana – One by one, step by step, players take turns performing a symphony of moves as the Missoula Chess Club hosts the 43rd annual Turkey Open Chess Tournament.

“We’re trying to turn this into a national level tournament so that the kids in Missoula, Montana, Eastern Washington and Idaho can experience what you get at a national level tournament without leaving home,” said Missoula Chess Club President Eric Walthall.

The tournament takes place over the course of a weekend and provides many opportunities for play and learning.

In an effort to reach a new level, as expected, the chess club invited a grandmaster originally from Ukraine.

“Chess brings people together, something I didn’t pay much attention to when I was younger because I was focused on being a professional player. Now the social factor is what draws me to chess and I keep coming back,” Chess Grandmaster. Ilya Nizhnik spoke about this.

At the beginning of the tournament in Turkey, Ilya faced 25 players at the same time, ultimately winning 23 games and ending in two draws.

Missoula’s local chess icon “The Octopus” is also making the rounds this year, observing the next generation of chess players.

“I sponsor two chess tournaments a year, I’m glad they’re still playing chess over the board. The big difference in chess over the board is you get to meet people and see their expressions,” said Greg “Octopus” Novak.

Players of all ages took part in the event, which also included lectures, exhibition matches and a training tournament.

“There are always some talented young people popping up here and there around the world, and these people, these young kids, are doing amazing things that I didn’t even know were possible,” Nizhnik said.

The chess tournament will continue on Sunday at 9 am, and awards will be presented to the winners also at 16:30.